So the Islanders "Ice Girls" were "abused"..... This piece of news shouldn't even exsist. In the last couple of years this concept of on ice "cheerleaders" has been popping up all over the league. It's just another example of the league trying to make hockey into something it's not. If you want more spectacle than sport, than watch the Superbowl and leave hockey out of it. It's no wonder that these "Ice Girls" were "abused". Don't get me wrong, I like good looking girls as much as the next guy, but nobody thats not involved with the game being played on the ice has a right to invade the player's space. Don't get smart and mention the medical staff, that's completely different. These "Ice Girls" may have been doing the job they were hired to do, but it doesn't make it right that they were there.
If you're not convinced and this sounds excessively masculine, consider. Anyone that's played the game, professionally or not, would not be pleased to be interferred with by random people. When I played, I wouldn't of wanted my (then) girlfriend running out on the ice each time I scored a goal, and in my mind this is no different. Can you blame Henrik Lundqvist for resisting attempts from someone to remove him from his crease? Can you blame Sean Avery for showing contempt towards such annoyance? I hardly qualify their actions as abuse. Perhaps you'd be inclined to mention that their actions were a show of poor sportmanship, and a bad example for children. Well, women wearing revealing clothing isn't exactly a family friendly atmosphere anyway. Mascots are one thing, light shows another, but the "Ice Girls" and all like them should not be allowed. Not just in the NHL either, but in any hockey, be it the NHL or Women's NCAA hockey. In short, leave my sport, and it's players alone.
It's getting to the best and worst part of the season again. The snow is only dirty lumps in ditches, and you only need a sweater when you go outside. But it's okay, at least if you're not a fan of a team thats missing the playoffs. But some fans don't know if it's the best or worst part yet, and they all reside in the eastern half of the continent. Rangers, Islanders, Hurricanes Lightning, and Maple Leafs fans know what I mean. So tell me folks, who do you think is going to grab the eigth spot in the Eastern Conference?
I certainly can't tell you but I really want to see the Rangers make it. Not only that, I want them to steal a page from the Oilers' book and make a highly inprobable run all the way to the Finals. Now I haven't talked about the Western Conference yet, so let's not go too far before I say who I want to win. I'm a Michigan man so it's no suprise that I want that team to go to the Finals. Of course I want to see the Wings reel in another cup, or else I wouldn't of said I want the Rangers to steal a page of the Oilers' book. It would make for a great match up though. Big names in big markets would be great for the NHL. The NHL needs as to be as noticeable as possible and like it or not, big markets and superstars never hurt. I also have an ulterior motive for this matchup. Bredan Shannahan left the Wings, and he'd see the error of his ways, if things went the exact way I want them too. So tell me, whats your fantasy cup final?
As the NHL GM meetings wrap up in Florida, Red Wings GM Ken Holland should stick around. The Florida Panthers are looking like they aren't going to be able to join the top 8 in the Eastern Conference this year. And that's why Mr. Holland should be getting in contact with Jacques Martin, GM of the Panthers.
Since Brendan Shannahan has apparently left Detroit for greener pastures in glitzy NYC, the Wings have been missing a strong locker room presence and their NHL ranked 19th power play is a far cry from last season's 1st overall power play. Shannahan was a key contributor to that number 1 power play last season with 14 power play goals and also 14 assists. He was also a big body that could crash the net. It would be no shock if the Wings also missed Shannahan's team first approach in the playoffs. And this is why the Red Wings should be interested in the Panthers.
But the Red Wings should not look at the player everyone has speculated they will. Todd Bertuzzi is not the solution the Red Wings need. Another player that is most likely availible, Gary Roberts, is who they should instead be looking at. Last summer, Roberts made it clear he wanted out of Florida. He wanted to return to Toronto for family reasons. For these reasons, not to mention the previously mentioned extreme doubts that the Panthers will be present in the post season are all signs that Roberts will be on the move. However his asking price is likely far less than Bertuzzi's. And he is of winning pedigree, being a part of the 1988 Calgary Flames cup team. He overcame adversity and injury in the '96-'97 season to play again in 97'-98'. Roberts only has 8 power play points for the season, but don't let that fool you as he was far more productive on a better Maple Leafs team in 03'-04' with 20 power play points. This all may be fine and well, but some of you more attentive readers may bring up the no trade clause Roberts has, and that he has his pick of what teams he can move to because of it. Well, any budding Geography major can tell you that Toronto is a shout and a river away from Detroit. The Detriot Red Wings of course, are also a team that could do some damage in the playoffs. So tell us Gary, would you like to play for the Wings?
